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| Going in Circles collage on paper/15" x 18" |
Such is the case with the above piece finished yesterday. I am lucky to have gotten out alive! I have been working on covering the entire paper first with colored shapes and then going back in to "reclaim" white or light space. I also try and add smaller accent shapes at this time. I have also been trying to work with positive and negative shapes in reverse colors and also the repetition of shape groups. And lastly, because that all isn't enough, I am trying to develop my ideas about making "sections" and in general, using the entire picture plane in an even and balanced way without appearing too obviously "matchey-matchey". (Thanks Julie!) I always want restraint-a kind of quiet shouting if that makes sense.
I just really had a hell of a time making decisions this week. We had a lot going on at home and the distractions were, well, distracting! In any case, next week is similar so I am just going to have to power through things until the schedule settles down. I am not a big fan of being busy on purpose; I don't have a crazy busy life for a number of reasons. Anyway.
Today I am helping out a friend who is participating in this year's arts tour. This is the first year since moving here that I won't be participating. I hope the tour is successful for everyone. And lastly, I delivered two collage pieces to the Madera Arts Council this week. That upcoming show starts September 21st. Oh, I am also painting papers today in preparation for a new piece. More triad mixtures on the way!
Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Libby
When I look at a new work of yours I ALWAYS say to myself, Oh, I LOVE this one! Then I try to figure out what it is I am responding to that gives me a strong reaction. For me there is something retro in this piece. Maybe it is the colors or maybe the circles, which I think of as kind of 50's or 60's (I'm old!). But for this piece, which has no literal "white space" because every shape has a color, I think it is a great blend of circles with straight lines, and circles which imply complete unto themselves, with their contrasting shape the line. The line can extend beyond the edge of the composition, if the mind travels like mine does. Yet there are lines here that are borders. I asked myself if they limited the piece by being stopping points (in my pointed brain) but then I realized they were needed just there to do their job. Your work has parameters, yes, but somehow it goes beyond that on its own journey. I don't know what exactly you had in mind but for me, this piece is instructive. You are an inspiration, Libby!
ReplyDeleteCarol,
DeleteI like the part where you said that you had a pointed brain!
Thank you for taking the time to really look at things and to provide feedback on what you are seeing. That is important since I often see things differently or miss them altogether! I consciously chose just the one shape to work o n-the circle-and yes, I thought the piece was retro somehow also. I am getting older myself! And you are right, to my way of thinking, that each piece is there to serve a purpose. And sometimes several purposes.
I just never really know what is going to happen with these pieces. It's best not to think about it until it is all over! It's possible to get very stuck when I am trying to do something quite specific. I always have a plan, mind you, but I try really hard to "listen" to what the evolving piece is telling me.
Thanks again for all of your observations, my pointy brained friend! LOL:)
Libby
Oh Libby You continue to grow and create wonderful work. I love" Going in Circles". Being crazy busy seems to be suiting your creative spirit. The colors in this piece keep my eye traveling. Wishing you much success in your upcoming show. Hugs!
ReplyDeleteThanks Debbie! I am just trying to keep things going, trying different ideas. I never know what might come up:)
DeleteHope all is well. Sorry that my response is late. The week sort of got away from me.
Libby